Samsung Data Migration Cannot Find Target Disk? Fix It Now!

Can't Select 980 Pro as Data Migration Target Drive

Samsung SSDs are widely known for their speed, reliability, and performance, but upgrading to one isn't always smooth sailing. Many users report a frustrating issue: Samsung Data Migration cannot find target disk when trying to migrate their OS to Samsung SSD.

Don't worry, if you're also troubled by Samsung Data Migration target disk not found issue. This guide will walk you through the reasons behind the error and several quick fixes to resolve it. We'll also introduce a powerful alternative to Samsung Data Migration software that ensures a hassle-free disk cloning process.

Why Samsung Data Migration Cannot Find Target Disk?

Like Acronis True Image for Crucial is specialized for Crucial SSDs cloning and Seagate DiscWizard is for Seagate SSDs, Samsung Data Migration software is designed specifically for Samsung-branded SSDs. But you may still encounter various problems like Samsung Data Migration cannot select target disk or Samsung Data Migration stuck at 0% due to several reasons:

• The SSD isn't properly connected - If your SSD is not seated correctly in its M.2 or SATA slot, it won't be detected.
• Compatibility issues - Samsung Data Migration is designed specifically for Samsung SSDs. Attempting to use it with non-Samsung drives or unsupported models can result in detection issues.
• The drive isn’t initialized - A brand-new SSD often needs to be initialized before use.
• Samsung NVMe driver is missing - Samsung SSDs require their own NVMe driver, which isn't always installed automatically.
• The SSD is not formatted properly - If the drive has the wrong file system or is corrupted, the migration tool may fail.
• Outdated Samsung Data Migration software - Running an old version of the Samsung migration tool can lead to compatibility problems with newer SSDs.

6 Quick Fixes to Samsung Data Migration Cannot Find Target Disk

To resolve the Samsung Data Migration only the source drive or related issues like Samsung Magician Data Migration drive not supported, consider implementing the following quick solutions.

#1. Verify Physical Connections:

• Ensure the SSD is securely connected to the motherboard via a SATA cable or appropriate interface.​
• Avoid using SATA/USB enclosures, as SDM may not recognize drives connected through them.

#2. Initialize the SSD:

• Access Disk Management by pressing Win + X and selecting Disk Management.
• If the SSD appears unallocated, right-click and choose Initialize Disk.
• Choose GPT (recommended for modern systems) or MBR (for legacy BIOS systems) to click OK.

#3. Install Samsung NVMe Driver:

Samsung SSDs require the Samsung NVMe driver for full functionality.

• Download the latest Samsung NVMe driver from the Samsung website.
• Install the driver and restart your PC.
• Open Samsung Data Migration again and check if the SSD is now detected.

#4. Update Device Drivers:

Outdated disk drives on Windows may also lead to Samsung Data Migration cannot find target disk and other compatibility issues.

• Open Device Manager and locate the SSD under Disk Drives.
• Right-click and select Update driver to ensure the latest drivers are installed.

#5. Change IDE mode:

If your SSD is connected via an internal SATA cable instead of a USB external connector, it is most likely running in IDE or RAID mode. If IDE, it must be switched to AHCI in the BIOS; and if RAID, leave the RAID in place and reinstall the system so that the SDM recognizes the SSD.

#6. Update Samsung Data Migration Software:

Running a Samsung Data Migration older version can lead to errors like Samsung Data Migration target drive greyed out. Please uninstall the current version and download the latest version from the Samsung support page to try the migration again.

Best Alternative to Samsung Data Migration for Disk Clone

Except for Samsung Data Migration cannot find target disk and other common cloning issues, it has some other drawbacks that make it pose challenges to disk clones. For example:

• Samsung SSDs only - It only works with Samsung-branded SSDs. If you're migrating to an SSD from another manufacturer, the software won't function.
• Limited source drive clone - It only allows you to clone HDD or SSD with a supported OS installed, other than data disks or other external drives.
• Cannot Clone to a Smaller SSD - It requires the target SSD to be equal to or larger than the source HDD in terms of storage capacity.

For more flexible and feature-rich disk cloning options, AOMEI Cloner stands out. This software, with its Clone features, allows you to clone hard drive to Samsung SSD as well as migrate Samsung disk to another drive with secure boot.

In addition to Samsung disks, it also supports other multiple brands of HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, and SD cards, including Seagate, Western Digital, Toshiba, Transcend, Lenovo, etc. Key features of AOMEI Cloner include:

• Offer Disk Clone, System Clone, and Partition Clone for different cloning needs.

• Support cloning larger drive to smaller drive with Intelligent Clone.

• Provide Sector-by-sector clone to copy the entire disk, including deleted and hidden files.

• Allow you to clone hard drive with bootable USB without booting into Windows.

• Enable you to resize partition size on the destination disk as well as convert disk type.

• Offer SSD Alignment to optimize its performance and longevity.

Download this software to have a try now!

Step 1. Open the software on your computer and select Clone > Disk Clone.

Step 2. Select your current HDD/SSD as the source disk. Then, choose your Samsung SSD as the destination disk.

Step 3. Check SSD Alignment to optimize SSD performance. Click Start Clone and wait for the process to finish.

What Happened to Samsung Data Migration Software?

Samsung Data Migration (SDM) was once a standalone, user-friendly tool designed specifically for transferring your OS, files, and applications from an old drive to a Samsung SSD. However, Samsung has since integrated this functionality into its Samsung Magician Software, a more comprehensive SSD management tool for Samsung memory products.

🔔Key Changes to Samsung Data Migration

✔ No Longer Standalone: The migration feature is now built into Samsung Magician (version 7.0 and later).

✔ Same Core Functionality: You can still clone your system drive to a Samsung SSD, but now within a single application.

✔ Additional SSD Management Tools: Magician offers performance benchmarking, firmware updates, drive health monitoring, and secure erase, making it a one-stop solution for Samsung SSD users.

🔍Is Samsung Data Migration Still Reliable?

Yes! The migration tool remains just as effective, it’s simply part of a larger software suite now. It is still free, no cost for Samsung SSD owners. Also, it supports latest SSDs, including Samsung 870 EVO, 980 Pro, 990 Pro, and T7/T9 portable SSDs.

Conclusion

If you’re struggling with issues like "Samsung Data Migration cannot find target disk" or other similar cloning errors, don’t panic, many of these problems can be resolved with simple fixes. However, if you need a more versatile and hassle-free solution, consider switching to a professional cloning tool like AOMEI Cloner for seamless SSD migration.

While Samsung Data Migration (via Magician) is a solid choice for Samsung SSD users, AOMEI Cloner provides a more reliable and universal cloning solution—especially when dealing with multiple SSD brands or persistent errors.

Whether you stick with Samsung’s tool or switch to AOMEI, the key goal is a smooth, error-free migration to your new SSD. Follow the troubleshooting steps, or save time with a proven alternative, your upgraded system awaits!